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International Traveler: Musical

Instruments

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The United States restricts or prohibits the entry of many agricultural products,

which can carry foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and our

environment. Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance

on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States.

Travelers entering the United States must declare

all agricultural or wildlife products.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products

to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. You must also tell them if you visited

a farm or were in contact with animals before traveling to the United States.

U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry

requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors

have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can

enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of

agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.
As long as you declare all of the agricultural products you are bringing

with you, you will not face any penalties—even if an inspector determines

that they cannot enter the country.

Musical Instruments that You CAN and CANNOT

bring back to the United States

The United States regulates or prohibits the entry of musical instruments that

contain materials derived from protected and endangered animal and plant species

protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  Brazilian

rosewood, tortoiseshell, and elephant ivory are among the protected species most

commonly found in musical instruments. 

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife (FWS) enforces these laws,

and international travelers who plan to travel to or from the United States with

musical instruments or other products containing materials derived from

endangered species can learn more about entry and exit requirements by visiting

the FWS Website.  

If you have further questions or are unsure whether you need to obtain an FWS

permit, please contact FWS’ Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits

 directly. 

Lacey Act

The Lacey Act combats trafficking in “illegal” wildlife, fish, and plants and makes it

unlawful to import certain plants and plant products without an import declaration. 

The USDA is currently not enforcing the Lacey Act Plant and Plant Products

Declaration requirement for personal items such as musical instruments that are

transported internationally in passenger baggage.  Currently, only musical

instruments being commercially imported (as a Formal Consumption Entry) require a

Lacey Act Declaration.

Need Help?
If you can't find your commodity listed above, browse the Agricultural Import

Requirements Database.

If you still have questions about a particular plant or plant products (fruits,

vegetables, plant parts, seeds, soil, or souvenirs made from wood or plants), contact

us.

Phone: 877-770-5990 (toll-free)

Email: plantproducts.permits@usda.gov